Brave West Mercia Police officers in line for award
Two police officers from Shropshire have been shortlisted for the Pride of Britain Awards after pulling a motorist from a burning car.
Constables Alex Saxton and Tim Blackham of West Mercia Police, who are both based in Shrewsbury, pulled a semi-conscious motorist to safety seconds before his car was engulfed in flames after a road crash in Leegomery in March.
The life-saving duo are up for the emergency services award at the Pride of Britain award against three other crews.
Thick toxic smoke had made it difficult and dangerous to approach the Renault Clio Sports car which had crashed into a row of trees at 1.20am on March 16 on the A442 near Leegomery roundabout in Telford.
Flames had burned through the footwell of the passenger side of the car and were quickly spreading through the car when the police officers found the seatbelt in the choking black smoke and quickly cut it with a knife to release the trapped driver with only seconds to spare.
In June the pair were awarded the Chief Fire Officer's Commendation for conspicuous bravery while saving life from fire.
